Everybody talks about the best rivalries and showdowns in the sports, political, and social world. History has brought us Ali vs. Frazier, Yankees/Red Sox, Cowboys/Giants (and Eagles…and Redskins…and Steelers…and….well every NFL team), Trump vs. Clinton, and many more epic showdowns that people everywhere make it their mission to see. They see everywhere knockout punch, every point scored, every punchline delivered, and so much more. There’s always excitement brewing amongst fans that brings out their true inner passion for their favorite team or individual in the sports world, political world, or social world.

However, there’s one match-up you won’t see in the media very often. It’s not a sports event, it’s not a political debate, heck, it’s not even a Vine or YouTube video. However, if you live in Texas, you know that when it comes to fast food, Whataburger and Chick-fil-a reign supreme over all other chains. But who would win in a heavyweight battle? Who has all the intangibles accounted for? Who is the fast food champion? Let’s meet our contenders!

Whataburger

There’s a saying that states if you’ve never been to Whataburger, you might not be from Texas (or you live under 2 rocks). If you ever see the orange and white ‘W’ high in the sky, and you’re hungry, head that direction! Whataburger prides themselves by serving up a 100% pure beef patty nestled between two buttery toasted buns with cheese, mustard, pickles, onions, lettuce, and tomatoes. You want jalapenos with that? They have’em! Feeling extra hungry? Go ahead and throw another 100% pure beef patty on there. Then wash that all down with an ice cold drink and some hot fries with just the right amount of salt. Need ketchup? Whataburger doesn’t do the packets. They have ketchup containers to dunk your fries in. You can’t do that with a squeeze packet!

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but Whataburger knows that some people’s days end late or start early. You want breakfast from 11 pm to 11 am? Whataburger’s got you covered with a great selection of bacon/sausage, egg, and cheese taquitos, their famous “breakfast on a bun,” or the crown jewel that is the honey butter chicken biscuit. Sweet and salty heaven can be achieved in just one bite. It’s 2AM and the bars have closed. You need fuel, and Whataburger is the fan favorite of 2AM pit stops, breakfast, or dinner.

Now for their specials! Whataburger features four fan-favorite meals. First, the Monterrey Melt; two patties, cheese, grilled onions and peppers, and jalapeno ranch for the kick you crave. The honey BBQ chicken strip sandwich, oh have mercy!! Juicy tenders topped with Monterrey jack cheese, BBQ sauce, on TEXAS TOAST! Succulent and messy, this sandwich is! Then we have the A1 Thick and Hearty Burger. Two beef patties, cheese, grilled onions….and BACON! All smothered with A1 thick and hearty sauce for that steak-themed taste you love. Finally, the granddaddy of them all (at least I think), the Patty Melt! The Texas Toast can’t comprehend the flavors going on here! Two patties, Monterrey jack cheese, grilled onions (add grilled jalapenos), and creamy pepper sauce. An explosion of flavor upon the first bite, and even more explosions of flavor as you nom-nom your way to the bitter, yet delectable end. Then you probably cry. I don’t know.

Now let’s look aside from the food and focus on the restaurant’s the service that they provide. Whataburger knows people are on the move, so they created a second line in the drive-thru to get you on your way as quickly as possible. You may have to wait, but the thought of a hot, fresh burger makes the wait worth it. Dining in? The cleanliness of the restaurant is exceptional, until somebody goes crazy with the fries and gets salt and crumbs everywhere. And who doesn’t love those number stands you get (and then leave the restaurant with) when you place your order?! The staff features a diverse group of individuals working hard throughout the day to deliver you the best in Texas.

Chick-fil-A

Ever see that red C in the sky that looks like a chicken, but it took you like 10-15 years to realize that it was both a C and a chicken? Yeah, that was me. That’s not important though. The preferred fast food chain of just about every person I know is most definitely Chick-fil-a (unless you like Whataburger, then you’re conflicted between 2 amazing things).

As a college student’s best friend and home of The Original Chicken Sandwich (also available in spicy), Chick-fil-A knows how to deliver exceptional food, service, and provide a clean environment to enjoy your day. Who would have ever thought that a juicy chicken breast deep-fried to perfection on a toasted bun with pickles would become such a hit? Then you have those rocking waffle fries and a thirst-quenching drink to add the extra love to your experience. That’s not all though! Chick-fil-A delivers a hardcore second choice with their tender juicy nuggets made from 100% chicken breast and a wide variety of sauces to choose from (including Chick-fil-A sauce that’ll blow your mind). Need bigger nuggets? Chick-fil-A has tenders! As one customer put it, the tenders are just like the nuggets, but longer (my brother works at Chick-fil-A and had to answer this question). Then one day, Chick-fil-A got a grill and started satisfying the grilled chicken lovers across Texas. Then they came out with the deluxe, which added cheese, tomato, and lettuce to their sandwiches to give them that extra “oh yeah” factor. Chick-fil-A doesn't stop there. They prepare salads, soup, wraps, and shakes every day for their loyal customers to enjoy a lighter meal with a sweet treat at the end.

Again, breakfast is important, and Chick-fil-A delivered with the chicken biscuit and fan-favorite chicken minis, three to four nuggets sandwiched in small sweet rolls. Four chicken minis is never enough! Add some tots and a drink of choice, and your breakfast love is complete. Ketchup with your tots? Not only do their ketchup packs come in a cup-like form, but you can also squirt the ketchup on your food with the two-way plastic openings found on the ketchup packs.

The service at Chick-fil-A is phenomenal. You are greeted with a smile and a professional appearance, told “my pleasure” anytime you say thank you, and get your food before you can even blink. Speed, sincerity, and service make Chick-fil-A easy to return to on any given day. Even in long lines, Chick-fil-A sends out their employees with iPads to help customers get through the drive through more quickly during the daily lunch rush that Chick-fil-A is known for. Inside the restaurant, you will find a clean and friendly environment to enjoy your experience. The playgrounds await for the kids to enjoy some free time while the parents take a break from the daily grind. Ah, yes! Chick-fil-A knows how to get to the heart in more ways than ever!

Both sides offer unique experiences and flavors to cleanse your palate and cleanse the soul. It’s your call on who would win in a showdown of epic proportions! We can discuss the factors of the head-to head match-up in another write up if interest is high. We shall see.